The Unelles Community, Arts and Activities Centre

The Unelles Community, Arts and Activities Centre was founded in 1976 in compliance with the 1901 law relating to associations in France. Since 2017, it has been accredited as a social and cultural centre covering the 'Coutances Mer et Bocage’ area, that is to say an area including both coastal and country, which includes 49 'communes' (council-run municipalities) and serves 50,000 inhabitants. Coutances is situated in the 'département' (administrative area), of the Manche in Normandy. It is part of a 'canton' (administrative district) which comprises 7 'collèges' (secondary schools for 11 to 16 year olds), 2 'maisons familiales' (rural vocational community schools), 6 'lycées' (high schools for 16-18 year olds) and 2 apprentice training centres. Their multisite facilities are open to the general public and provide activities, social and cultural services. Teams of both professionals and volunteers support inhabitants not only in their everyday needs but also by facilitating access to leisure activities, cultural development and personal fulfillment. They provide support for personal initiatives, boost involvement, development and value of individual, collective and citizen-targeted projects and initiatives. They encourage a participative approach which facilitates individual and personal expression. Aware of the need to 'live well together', they are attentive to all sections of society.